Reidel provided the entire communications solution for the Red Bull Stratos; the 120,000 feet skydive from the edge of space, integrating both wireless and wired digital intercom systems. Additionally, Riedel furnished the fibre-based video and signal distribution as well as the wireless video links from the capsule’s onboard cameras – enabling the pictures delivered from the Red Bull Stratos capsule. For the capsule that transported skydiver Felix Baumgartner into the stratosphere, Riedel provided the on-board video control system for nine HD video cameras with especially developed telemetry control. This system was responsible for the control of the video recording and also worked as a comprehensive digital video router. It offered complete remote control of the whole video system and featured three HD video downlinks that were dynamically assigned to the selected cameras. The communications infrastructure on-site included the entire compound, the mission control, the production offices, the media/press centre and the OB truck. All these facilities and positions were integrated into one single communications infrastructure via a Riedel Artist Digital Matrix system. Furthermore, Riedel furnished the on-site digital radio network with more than 100 radio receivers and ten channels, which were integrated into the wired matrix intercom system. This meant radio users were able to directly talk to intercom users and vice versa. All video signals on ground were distributed and routed with Riedel’s MediorNet technology, a fibre-based realtime network for HD video, audio, communications and data signals. For Red Bull Stratos, 24 Riedel MediorNet nodes were installed in a redundant ring topology to provide maximum reliability. In case of a potential connection loss between two nodes, the signals would have still been distributed due to the redundant topology. The connection to the launchpad of the capsule was also realised with the MediorNet system – this time with two MediorNet Compact frames that were connected to the main system. All links in the MediorNet system were realised with Riedel PURE, a tactical fibre cable for mobile applications that is equipped with Neutrik OpticalCON Quad connectors. The MediorNet backbone transported all video signals of the Red Bull Stratos mission as well as all signals from the OB truck and from the tracking truck. It also distributed the broadcast audio between Mission Control and recording facility. Furthermore the data of the telemetry that was used for some broadcast applications such as the Moving Map was transported via MediorNet. In addition to the video transport MediorNet also served as a network backbone for the on-site Internet connection providing the Ethernet connectivity in all areas of the compound.www.riedel.net
